Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-09-22

the money l offered her. went to see her,
anxious to conciliate her if possible.
found her living with her parents in a
rather small but comfortable house in B.
street. / was ushcEed into the parlor
where Irma sat, her hands folded listlessly
on her lap, her golden hair hanging in care
less disorder about her face and neck. She
greeted me coldly, yet with a dreamy sort
of Observation-Disclosures that made me think
her thoughts were far away.
II have come, Irlna, y l said, ''to endeavor
TO be friends with you. Let the past be
past; we can not alter it. know that you
have been brought up to think yourself an
heiress. Irma, people have honorcd and
Gattosed you because you haI wealth, and
it is, Of course, great trial to you to find
that such is not the case. Yet, am not to
blame for this Surely you should feel no
enmity against me for claiming only what is
my just right we have not been TO blame,
Irma, you or l, for the wicked scheme. Let
US be friends. | helped your brother, let
me help you. My father left you legacy
of five thousand. Please accept it. and
viii aid you in any other way can, also.
Irma did not answer me at first. Her
face showed no emotion until | had finished
speaking. Then she arose, her features
working convulsively, and came and stood
before US.
81 do not want your bounty, Dorcas Gale
DON" she almost Kissed between her shut
teeth. aYou have wronged me beyond re
pair. Money, do not care Tor that, but you
have robbed me of theloye of tho man love
and have always loved His love and es-
| teen valued ten times more than the Cal
edoa estate, and YOU have robbed mo of
both"
She paused with dry sob, but went on in
o moment. s'You offer me friendship, as If
all the friendship in the world could COM
pensate me for my love. l do not want your
friendship or your money, for sooner than
touch a cent of it l would starve in the
street. You arc mistress Of Caledoa now.
Oliver Dudley is your devoted slave. May
you be very HAPPY"
She paused. knew rot what to say. Her
wild, impassioned words showed mo the
depth of her passionate, willful nature, and
her bold allusion 10 Oliver Dudley made my
cheek crimson, yet my heart swelied with
pity for her. Once more [ endeavored 10
comfort her.
1You speak wildly, Irma.' l said. ''Mr.
Dudley is nothing to me except friend"
| blushed the next instant, though, re
Numbering that did regard him in diff
! ferent light, though that he had aught ex-
cept friendly feeling for me remained tc
be seen.
"And you refuse my offer Of friendship
Miss Barnett" I said, rising. She bowed
her head.
'sYou are wrong, fearfuIly wrong"
cried. "Believe me, Oliver Dudley is only
a friend to me"
She raised her eyea. .hsrd and stony, e
mine. Never shall forget their cold, hope
| less look.
"You waste your words, Miss Caleion,
was all she said, and I walked away, leav-
ing her, as had found her, sitting idly by
| the window, her gaxen hands folded in hel
lsp.
! s'Ohl tho wickedness CT this worldr'
cried, as went homeward.
\ s.But for her mothers wicked scheme Of
/ defrauding helpless orphan, Irrna would
/ to-day have been a happy girl, and we
/ should have been as dear sisters to-
! gether.n
81 had been at Caledoa Heights q year
when Mr.. Dudley, returning from the
4 North where he had been attending the
I settling of his fathers estate, made me q
/ formal offer of his hand and heart.
I 81 have always loved you, Dorcas,n Id
4 said. You are the one woman in the world ]
would choose for my wife. Without your
/ love 1 am miserable, indeed. Surely you
! will not send me away, Dorcas. Only give